History of The West Coast Swing

​The West Coast Swing is a partner dance derived from Lindy Hop. It is characterized by a distinctive elastic look that results from its basic extension- compression technique of partner connection, and is danced primarily in a slotted area on the dance floor. The WCS puts a premium on improvisation.

The WCS was created in Los Angeles in the late 1930s. It was based on the swing then being taught at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, but it was modified to reflect a West Coast style. The West Coast Swing has also been known as the Western Swing, the Sophisticated Swing, and the California Swing.

West Coast Swing may be danced to almost any music in 4/4 time, and music of many different styles may be found in an evening of West Coast Swing Dancing.